How to Build Product Catalogs
Regardless of how large or small your business is, finding an effective way to showcase your products will increase your sales and the number of repeat customers. One of the best ways to show your merchandise is through a product catalog. Catalogs are an effective marketing tool that can be included in current mail-order shipments and can be handed out in many locations and in many different ways. They are relatively easy to create and can be done in any computer program that allows for both text and images.
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Things You'll Need
- Digital camera Computer paper High-gloss brochure paper Stapler w/staples Computer Printer Sample catalog Pen
Instructions
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Create a first draft or layout on plain paper. Take several sheets of paper and staple them alongside one edge. They can be cut down to the approximate size of your finished catalog. Sketch out where you expect the images and descriptions, as well as any specialty features, to go.
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Gather all the images of your products that you intend to include. Use your digital camera to take any extra photos needed. Upload all images to your computer, or move the ones already on your computer to a folder specifically designed for your catalog. You don't want to have to spend time searching for photos later.
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Write product descriptions and any special information such as colors or quantities. Use the sample catalog to help you word your descriptions. Remember to be informative but not too lengthy.
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Design your catalog on your computer by placing and resizing the images and product descriptions until they are in the desired positions. This can be done in almost any program, including commonly available programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel. You can also use more sophisticated programs created specifically for layout and design work. Use your sample catalog as a guide, if needed. Review your layouts to ensure you like the look of them and to eliminate any typos.
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Print a sample copy. Set it aside. Do not try to proofread the catalog the day you first create it, as it is easier to catch tiny mistakes with fresh eyes.
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Create your order form, making it specific to your products. Include blank spaces for customers to include data about the item they wish to purchase, such as quantity, size, color, price and item number. Include other important information on the order form, including shipping info and cost, billing info and return policies. Print a copy of the order form on paper that is easily written on. Set your order form aside as well.
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Proofread your catalog and order form carefully and make any necessary corrections. Print catalog and order forms.
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Fold and bind your catalogs. Stapling the catalog through the center, along the fold, is the easiest and most common method of binding. Fold your order forms and slip one or two inside your catalog. Now they are ready to be distributed.
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Tips & Warnings
Be very careful when folding and stapling your catalogs, as you want them to look as professional as possible. Crooked folds or sloppy stapling jobs will detract from the catalog's appearance.
References
- Photo Credit stack of magazines image by Yekaterina Choupova from Fotolia.com
